Christensen was a first-team, all-state receiver a year ago, while both Swartz and Schweitzer also garnered all-conference recognition.

Another of the top players back this year for the Panthers is junior defensive tackle Zach Dodge, who was a first-team, All-Southern Lakes Conference pick a year ago.

Looking at the SLC race, Greinke said he expects Waterford, which was a state runner-up in Division 2 last year, and Badger to be among the top teams to watch in 2012 – but others could follow.

“Every year that I’ve been in this conference it seems to get better and better,” Greinke said. “To say who I think is the top three is difficult because just about any team in the league has shown a propensity to surprise everyone and beat the other.”

Wilmot opens the season Friday night when it travels to Notre Dame Prep (Niles, Ill.) for a 7:30 p.m. non-conference matchup. The Panthers return home for a key early test Friday, Aug. 31, when it hosts Waterford at 7 p.m.